14th October 2011

HONITON: Honton's niche shopping centre bucks the UK trend

Research suggests that residents are using Honiton more and more as a shopping centre, while the town is also attracting a high percentage of shoppers from outside its immediate area.

Honiton’s range of niche outlets and independent businesses plus its thriving street market have combined to give it a vibrant and booming town centre. The town has easy access routes from all directions, which makes getting to Honiton easy and shopping in its relaxed and welcoming environment a pleasure.

The population over 45 years of age (the ideal shopping group for local traders) is expected to grow by over 10 per cent in the next few years, while the town itself has a healthy economy with unemployment at close to half the UK average. This combination means Honiton is bucking the national trend with new businesses looking to move into the town centre and the number of vacant premises well below the national average.

A typical example is Wendy Le Masurier, whose new shop, Wendy’s Cookshop, opened in September this year. After working in London’s Selfridges kitchen department for many years, Wendy’s new venture is the result of a long held ambition. Like many Honiton businesses she champions local and regional products, excellent customer service and top notch product knowledge.

Wendy described her first month in town as “incredible”. She added: “The support from Honiton Town Council and the Honiton community has been fantastic. Honiton has a great High Street that is improving continually. All the local cooks are visiting and we are pleased to respond to their suggestions of what we should be adding to our stock.”

The Mayor of Honiton, Councillor Vernon Whitlock, supported Wendy’s comments, adding: “Our town was historically a coaching town conveniently located at the crossroads of a network of roads. Building on that reputation it now makes an ideal stopping-off place. Honiton’s culture and tradition, wealth of independent shops such as Wendy’s Cookshop, plus the markets and antiques trade, have combined to make this a fantastic shopping centre.

“The friendliness of the town and the dedication of the traders has led to a continued growth in trade.”

HONITON: Honton's niche shopping centre bucks the UK trend

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